Examples
|
| morphine | Astramorph, MS Contin |
| oxycodone | OxyContin, Roxicodone |
| tramadol | Ryzolt, Ultram |
Opioids in combination with other analgesics:
|
| hydrocodone and acetaminophen | Lortab, Vicodin |
| oxycodone and aspirin | Percodan |
| tramadol and acetaminophen | Ultracet |
How It Works
Opioids are prescription narcotic
medicines that are similar to pain-relieving substances naturally produced by
the body (endorphins). Opioids suppress your perception of pain by reducing the
number of pain signals sent by the
nervous system and calm your emotional response to
pain by reducing the brain's reaction to pain signals.
Why It Is Used
Opioids are sometimes used to relieve
flare-ups of low back pain caused by pressure on the spinal cord due to lumbar
spinal stenosis. Stenosis can squeeze and irritate the
nerve roots, causing moderate to severe pain. Opioids can be a responsible way to treat pain if the pain is not relieved by other treatments and you cannot do daily activities. Opioids are
usually used only for short periods of time, which helps you avoid side
effects.
How Well It Works
Oxycodone, in both immediate-release
and controlled-release doses, has proved to be effective in relieving moderate
to severe pain symptoms of
osteoarthritis, which is a common cause of spinal
stenosis. Tramadol, when used alone or in combination with a nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) or acetaminophen, is also effective in relieving
pain caused by osteoarthritis. Opioids do not relieve
inflammation, so they are often combined with an
anti-inflammatory medicine.
Side Effects
Older people in particular may experience
side effects from opioids. Side effects can include:
- Constipation.
- Urinary
retention.
- Mental
confusion.
- Drowsiness.
- Nausea and vomiting.
Side effects of tramadol include nausea, vomiting, and
nervousness. Tramadol may increase your risk of having a
seizure. The risk of a seizure is higher if you are also taking other medicines, such as antidepressants.
Taking opioids can make you
unsteady on your feet. This could make you more likely to fall and hurt
yourself when you try to do your normal daily routine.
See Drug
Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in
all systems.)
What To Think About
Lumbar spinal stenosis often
develops in older people who may find that the side effects from opioids are
worse than their back and leg symptoms. For this reason, opioids are not often
used as treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis.
You may become
physically dependent on opioids if you take them regularly. Physical dependence
is not addiction but rather is a gradual change in your body in response to the
opioids. If you stop taking opioids abruptly, you may develop nausea, sweating,
chills, diarrhea, and shaking. These are symptoms of withdrawal from the
opioid. This physical dependence is not life-threatening and can be avoided if
the opioids are tapered off over a set period of time, as prescribed by your
doctor.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine |
|---|
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Robert B. Keller, MD - Orthopedics |
|---|
| Last Revised | February 17, 2010 |
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Seton is proud to have four hospitals – the only hospitals in Central Texas - that have earned the Magnet designation, the highest award for nursing excellence given by the American Nurses Association.